The main symptom of contact dermatitis is a skin rash. The rash may ooze or weep fluid and is typically located at the site of contact with the irritating substance that led to the contact dermatitis. The rash is often red in color and raised above the level of the skin. The rash is usually accompanied by itching or burning, and the affected area may feel warm to the touch. Older lesions may scale over, thicken, and often remain itchy.
Causes of contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that occurs at the site of exposure to a substance capable of producing an allergic reaction in the individual. It is caused by exposure to and contact with an irritating substance to which the patient has developed a skin allergy.
Other contact dermatitis symptoms and signs
- Blisters
- Chapped Skin
- Peeling Skin
- Red Skin
- Scaly Skin
- Skin Burning
- Skin Fissures
- Skin Itching
- Skin Pain
- Skin Rash
- Stinging
- Swelling
- Thickened Skin
- Weeping or Oozing Blisters
Main Article on Contact Dermatitis Symptoms and Signs

SLIDESHOW
Rosacea, Acne, Shingles, Covid-19 Rashes: Common Adult Skin Diseases See SlideshowPictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes
-
Picture of Allergic Contact Dermatitis
A red, itchy, weepy reaction where the skin has come into contact with a substance that the immune system recognizes as foreign....
-
Picture of Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Arm)
Allergic contact dermatitis (reaction to temporary tattoo). Contact allergy to temporary tattoos has become an increasingly...
-
Picture of Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Tattoo)
Contact allergy to temporary tattoos has become an increasingly common phenomenon. See a picture of Allergic Contact Dermatitis...
-
Picture of Nickel Contact Dermatitis
The development of an itchy eczematous eruption near the umbilicus is virtually pathognomonic for contact dermatitis to nickel....
-
Picture of Nickel Contact Dermatitis from Necklace
Allergy to nickel is one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis in children. See a Nickel Contact Dermatitis from...
Examples of Medications for Contact Dermatitis Symptoms and Signs
From 
Skin Problems and Treatments Resources
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Skin Care & Conditions Newsletter
By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.
Helm, Thomas N. "Allergic Contact Dermatitis." Medscape.com. Apr. 10, 2017. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1049216-overview>.